Residents from Sisyi, Lusha, and Buginyanya sub-counties have raised urgent concerns over persistent and devastating floods caused by large volumes of water flowing from the Biritanyi Gorge. The situation, they say, has put lives at risk, damaged livelihoods, and cut off vital transport routes in the Elgon North constituency.
Biritanyi Gorge, located in Lusha Sub-county, features a 60-metre S-shaped road carved through a hill to connect lowland and highland communities. However, the drainage system meant to channel water beneath the road has long failed, forcing water to overflow directly onto the road surface. Residents and floodwaters are now forced to share the same narrow stretch of roadway—particularly dangerous during the rainy season.
Community members report that the problem has escalated, with flooding now destroying gardens, washing away crops, and restricting the movement of people and goods.
Lemeka Magona, a resident of Buginyanya, said the floods have repeatedly ruined agricultural produce, including onions that often rot in flooded fields.
“Whenever it rains heavily, the Simu Kona–Masila–Bufumbo Road becomes impassable, disrupting movement in the lowland areas,” Magona said.
Residents believe the issue stems from disruptions caused during the construction of the road. According to Yasiin Mafabi, a boda boda rider, the roadworks interfered with natural underground water absorption pathways, and over time, drainage channels became blocked.
“The government should act immediately and prioritise creating an alternative route by breaking the rocks in the gorge. This would ensure goods reach markets without constant delays,” he said.
Local leaders have echoed these concerns.
Chairperson of Mugabe Upper Village, James Mwabu, estimated that more than 15,000 people in Elgon North are directly affected by the flooding. Traders are often forced to carry goods on their heads to cross flooded sections or resort to long, difficult alternative routes.
“Breaking the rocks in the gorge and creating a safer, more reliable passage would greatly improve the lives of communities in Bulambuli, Mbale, and beyond,” Mwabu said.
Youth councillor for Bulambuli District, Ronald Kisa, noted that Biritanyi Gorge—constructed during the colonial era—has become a danger zone. He recommended expert assessment of the area’s limestone to help stabilise the ground.
Buginyanya Sub-county chairperson, James Songo, highlighted the increased risk of landslides and destruction of homes and gardens, especially in low-lying areas.
“The government must act swiftly to resettle affected families and create long-term solutions,” he said.
The flooding has severely affected both highland and lowland sub-counties. Those impacted include Bufumbo, Bulago, Lusha, Buginyanya, Bumugibole, Bumasobo, Sisyi, Kamu, Bulegeni, and Bulambuli Town Council.
Bulambuli Woman Member of Parliament, Irene Muloni, who is also an engineer, confirmed that stones and debris have blocked the underground drainage system at the gorge.
“As a result, water is forced to flow over the surface, turning the middle of the road into a hazard. This road is critical for transporting food from one of the region’s major food baskets. Farmers are now suffering major losses,” she said.
Bulambuli District Engineer, Paul Walimbwa, revealed findings from preliminary investigations indicating that the drainage channel has become heavily silted and obstructed by stones and boulders, reducing its capacity.
“The district will write to the Ministry of Works and Transport requesting a technical team to conduct a detailed assessment and recommend sustainable solutions,” he said. These may include clearing the silt and reinforcing the channel.
A station manager for the Ministry of Works and Transport’s Mbale branch, Dina Nakombe, confirmed that an assessment will be carried out to determine whether the original drainage was lined with concrete.
“If it wasn’t, we will recommend reinforcing it with concrete to prevent future flooding,” she said.
As communities continue to suffer losses and transportation remains disrupted, residents are calling on the government to prioritise long-delayed interventions at Biritanyi Gorge before the situation worsens